Pin changing mechanism for bowling pin spotting machines



' March 26, 1957 L. STRAUSS ET A11 PIN CHANGING MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 21, 1950 5w 8% NQ N g 3%. m @Q a? 3 mg m 5 8 IIIIIKIHHU Fa mr HM RA qv N HO w v E NmG w P A 00 F L Y MEN.

March 26, 1957 STRAUSS ET AL PIN CHANGING MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Filed Nov. 21, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 W N W Rm mum; o Nx %Q x T H I N N I. m \r W @N bu NQ kw $1 I N QN H N \\\\\a// I Q N2 sh I @S H NQ N? W3 ,QN\ & H g. NE MN 1 d E ,3

PIN CHANGING MEfil-IANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Leopold Strauss, Bufl'alo, and George E. Gampp, Kenmore, N. Y., assignors to American Machine & Foundry Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application November 21, 1950, Serial No. 196,848

18 Claims. (Cl. 273-43) This invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines and more particularly to improvements in automatic bowling pin spotting machines relating to pin handling, and especially to improved mechanism for changing pins or substituting one set of pins for another in order that a machine or machines may spot selected sets of pins on an alley or alleys.

In bowling, in so-called open play, bowling proprietors often use non-standard pins or pins which have been in play for varying periods of time, and may have become worn, so much so that it has been necessary for them to be redressed and trimmed in order to make them suitable for further use. While this grade of pin may not be objected to by some bowlers, such pins are not used in tournament or league play because they do not conform to standards or specifications, such for example as prescribed by the American Bowling Congress, and therefore do not satisfy the more particular bowler, or tournament or league player.

In automatic bowling pin setting machines which employ one or more sets of pins, in order that the coordinated operation of such machines may proceed automatically in spotting and respotting pins, it is desirable that pins can be changed without interrupting the play of the game for relatively long periods of time, and that one grade of pins can be removed from or bypassed in the machine and replaced by another grade of pins, or vice versa.

The present invention solves the problem of rapidly effecting the substitution of one or more sets of pins, usually ten pins per set, for pins which have been in play, in the least possible time and in a minimum of cycles of operation of a bowling pin spotting machine which employs the mechanism constituting the invention.

An object of our invention, therefore, is the provision of bowling pin changing or substituting mechanism for use with a bowling pin spotting machine, which will rapidly and efficiently substitute one or more sets of pins or a plurality of pins for one or more sets of pins or a plurality of pins already in use in the machine.

The invention also consists in the provision of mechanism operating in conjunction with a bowling pin spotting machine for effecting the rapid exchange of a plurality of bowling pins, and conveying the pins which are removed from active play to a suitable storage.

The invention also consists in the provision of mechanism for removing bowling pins from operative play in a bowling pin spotting machine and delivering other bowling pins in substitution or exchange into operative play in the machine.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of mechanism for use with one or more pin spotting machines, such as one or more automatic bowling pin spotting machines which have mechanism for spotting and respotting bowling pins on the playing bed of an alley, and in which the improved mechanism is operated to automatically substitute a plurality of pins for a like number of pins which have been in play.

The invention also consists in the provision of pin nited States Patent 2,786,679 Patented Mar. 26, 1957 handling apparatus having associated pin handling devices and conveyors which remove pins from the pit of a bowling alley and deliver them to a pin transfer station, and selective means for incapacitating selected conveyors to prevent the delivery of pins to said station in order that such pins may be replaced by other pins.

These and other objects of our invention will appear from the following description thereof, it being understood that the above statement of the objects of our invention is intended generally to explain the same without limiting it in any manner.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Figure l is an isometric view showing a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1A is a view showing a detail of the pin storage conveyor mechanism;

Figure 2 is a view showing a suitable wiring diagram for operating the pin changing mechanism constituting the invention;

Figure 3 is a partial side elevation of the pin retaining and clamping mechanism; and

Figure 4 is a front elevation showing mechanism embodying the invention when'used with bowling pin spotting machines mounted on two adjoining bowling alleys.

The invention relates to improved pin changing or pin substituting mechanism for use with bowling pin spotting machines, and is designed primarily for use with a bowling pin spotting machine of the type shown and described in co-pending application Serial Number 150,232, filed March 17, 1950 by Holloway & Zuercher. The improved pin changing mechanism constituting the invention may however find useful application in other bowling pin spotting machines with which it can be adapted for use in changing and substituting sets of pins or a desired number of pms.

In the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the in vention selected for purposes of illustration is shown operatively associated with the pin elevating mechanism of a bowling pin spotting machine designated generally 22.

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Bowling pinsv 10 fall from or are removed from a bowling alley (not shown) of any desired conventional design by suitable means (not shown) into pit P after a bowler has rolled a ball. Pit P may be provided with a conveyor or travelling apron or other suitable means (not shown) which conveys or moves the pins rearwardly and delivers them into the pin elevating mechanism. The means for delivering pins 10 into the pin elevating mechanism may be similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in the above referred to co-pending Holloway and Zuercher application, and further description and showing are not deemed necessary to a full understanding of the invention.

The pin elevating mechanism comprises a disc or drum 24, preferably rotated continuously, mounted on shaft 26 supported in suitable bearings in the frame of the machine. As disclosed in the above referred to co-pending Holloway & Zuercher application, disc 24 may be formed of sheet metal parts or sections in which the central body portion 25 is of substantially conical form having a circular marginal rim 27 either formed integrally with, or attached to, the face of conical body portion 25. Rim 27 is shaped in the form of an inturned generally U shaped channel 2d in which are provided spaced members forming pin holding and receiving pockets designated generally 36) described more in detail hereinafter.

Attached to disc 24 is a pulley 28 on which runs a belt 32, the latter also running on a driving pulley 34 fixed to a continuously rotating shaft 36 driven by any suitable means, such as a' motor (not shown). Disc or drum 24 is rotatably mounted at the rear of pit P and between kickbacks 33 and as of the bowling alley on which the machine is used. Kickback 46 may be common to two adjoining alleys, and provides one of the side supports for the frames of two side-by-side bowling pin spotting machines.

As indicated in Figure 4, pin elevating disc 24 is driven in a clockwise direction at a desired rate of speed in order to transfer pins from the pit P of a bowling alley to a selected discharge position above the alley.

It is customary in bowling to spot ten bowling pins on a bowling alley in a predetermined generally triangular playing arrangement. The present mechanism is designed to effect the removal of pins in use in machine 22 from the pit of a bowling alley after their removal from playing position thereon and convey these pins to storage, after which the machine is operative to deliver a like number of new pins or different pins to means which convey ten of them to pin spotting mechanism (not shown) for placement on the alley in exchange or substitution for the pins delivered to storage. in Figure 4, disc 24 is provided with seven pin receiving and conveying pockets 3% located within and along channel 29. Each pocket 39 is so designed that the belly portion of each pin as it is discharged from pit P, arrives in channel 29 of slowly rotating disc 24, and sooner or later as the latter continues its movement, accommodates itself in one of the several pockets 3% provided therein. Although seven pockets have been found to operate satisfactorily, obviously if desired, more or less pockets could be provided. This depends to some extent on the length of the circumference of rotary pin elevating disc 24, and the length of bowling pins, depending upon whether tenpins or duckpins or the like are being handled. In the pin handling mechanism illustrated, seventeen pins are used. Ten pins are spotted on the alley and seven pins are retained in pockets 30. Therefore when an exchange or substitution of pins is made, seventeen pins are removed from the machine and replaced by seventeen other pins. If desired, however, more or less pins could be used. If, say, twenty pins are used, when ten pins are spotted on the alley, disc 24 can carry seven pins, which will leave three pins remaining in the pit. So also if more than twenty pins were used, ten pins would be spotted on the alley, seven pins would be carried in pockets 30, and excess pins would remain in the pit awaiting delivery into pockets 3t after discharge of pins from the pockets into either chute 140 or distributor D.

As discussed in the above referred to Holloway and Zuercher application, each pocket 3% is formed of pin positioning and supporting elements shaped and disposed in channel 23 so as to support pins in pockets 30 regardless of whether a pin received in a pocket 30 lies head end or butt end forward relative to the direction of movement of disc 24 from station I, Figure 4, to either station II or III, where it is discharged from the pocket in which it was transferred. The groups of positioning and supporting elements in each pocket 34) are the same in construction and operation. Hence the description of one group will sufiice for all. Secured within the inner face of generally U-shaped flange 29 are abutments 42, each of which in the direction of rotation of disc 24, has an inclined face 44 in opposed relation to the one on the other abutment. The position and inclination of faces 44 are such that pins 10 are engaged thereby, approximately about the belly portion of the pin indicated as z in Figure 4. The abutments apply motive force to the pins, at least during their early travel upwardly out of the pit, or until they are well settled in a pocket 30 for travel to either station II or III. Since pins vary in size, especially after they are used for a time, and after they are dressed for additional use, the engagement of abutments 42 therewith will vary, but only within zone z, which is within. reasonable and practical limits.

It is desirable to support pins 10 in each pocket 30 with their axes as nearly parallel as possible to the circumference of disc 24 in order to confine pins properly therein and reduce tilting and possible projection of pins out of the pockets in which they are located as they are conveyed to one or the other of the discharge stations. To this end, each pocket is provided with a block 46 secured within channel 29 having an inclined face positioned to engage the butt ends of pins traveling head first and keep such pins from seating in pockets 3%]? at an angle. Blocks 46 also will engage the necks of pins traveling butt first, as shown at the left in Figure 4, for the same purpose.

It will be seen that in the operation of pin elevating mechanism 22 thus far described, a plurality of bowling pins It can be present at station I adjacent the end of the pit and rotating pin elevating disc 24. The manner in which pins are delivered to pockets 30 at station I causes movement of some pins it) in different directions, and rolling or combined rolling and elevation of other pins as they attempt to seat themselves in channel 29, and more especially in pockets 3t under control of the pairs of abutmeuts 42 and blocks Pins entering endwise between sets of such elements also may be turned or moved towards, or fall back into pin P, thereby delaying their time of elevation until they are again moved by suitable means (not shown) into channel 29. To reduce agitation and rolling, and loss of time in the seating of pins in pockets 3%, there is provided, as part of each pocket 3? between successive sets of elements 42 and 46, an elongated block or slab 48, which may be wood or sheet metal. These slabs lie in the bottom of channel 29 with the outer face of each lying in a plane crossing channel 29 between the bottom and the top of the side walls of channel 29. The face of each block 4-8 is below the top surface of an adjacent block 46. The trailing end 5% of each block or slab at; is tapered to merge into the bottom of channel 29. By such means, pins 19 lying in the path of slabs 48, are given a movement tending to cause them to straighten out into parallel relationship with the side walls of channel 29 of disc 24., and if any pins are rolling, this action is reduced as such pins attempt to climb. They are urged into position to roll or fall into an empty pocket 30 by sliding downwardly and along an upwardly moving slab 48. In this manner, the time of orientation, pick-up and elevation of pins 16 is speeded, and wear of pins is reduced con siderably. Figure 4 discloses a plurality of pins located in pockets 3%) being moved from station I upwardly to discharge stations II and III, and also discloses the manner'in which pins are carried both butt end forwardly and head end forwardly within their respective pockets 39, each pin remaining in its respective pocket until it is released for discharge at a selected station II or III.

After each pin is seated in a pocket St) at or near station I, as indicated in Figure 4, it remains in seated position therein as disc 24 rotates until it reaches approximately the next higher position or that occupied by the pin designated 19(2). Thereafter, as pin elevating disc 24 continues its upward rotation, gravity will tend to shift a pin out of seated position, or cause it to fall out of its pocket 30. In order to prevent this from happening, means are provided for holding each pin firmly in seated arrangement in its respective pocket.

In the embodiment illustrated, each pocket 3% is pro vided with a clamping device 52 which secures a pin in its respective pocket 39 against falling therefrom. In accordance with the invention, the clamping or holding action of clamping device 52 is continued until a pin reaches station II or III, depending upon whether pins are to be removed from the machine and other pins substituted therefor, or the same pins are to be used successively during the play of a game. Since there are seven pockets 30 in disc 24, seven pinclamping devices 52 are provided, one for each pocket 3% Construction and operation of each device 52 may be substantially the same as shown and described in the above referred to co-pending Holloway and Zuercher application. Sufficient mechanism is illustrated in Figure 1 for effecting the operation of pin clamping devices 52 in order to make clear the operation of clamping devices 52 as used in the present invention.

Each clamping device 52 includes a clamp rod 54 at the rear of disc 24 disposed radially relative thereto, and operative to engage the belly portion or zone z of a pin and hold it in a pocket 30. The outer end of each rod 54 is slidably mounted in a clip 56 at the inner margin of channel 29 for movement into and out of a pocket 30. The free end of each rod 54 is preferably so shaped as to slide freely through a bore in clip 56 in order to engage a pin in zone z as stated, and hold it firmly in its pocket 30. The inner end of each clamp rod 54 is supported in a swivel block 64 suitably mounted in the free end of a lever 58 pivotally mounted on a strut 64 of pin elevating mechanism 22. A coil spring 62, surrounding rod 54 and bearing between its swivel block 64 and a collar 66 secured to rod 54, tends to force rod 54 outwardly to project its free end into channel 29 and against a pin 10 seated in a pocket 30 in the manner shown in Figure 4, thereby preventing dislodgement of the pin therefrom. Swivel block 64 mounted on the free end of lever 58 swings during the movement of lever 58 between full line position and dotted line position, as shown in Figure 3, which indicates the pin gripping and pin releasing positions, respectively. Mounted on a stud 68 carried by lever 58 is a cam follower 70 which runs on a stationary cam 72, Figures 1 and 3, attached to frame F of the machine.

The retraction of rod 54 is effected by a tension spring 74, Figure 3, having one end suitably secured to lever 58, and its other end connected to a stud 76 suitably mounted on the strut 60. The result is to draw a foot 78 on the inner end of rod 54 into engagement with a stop 89 secured to a bracket 82 suitably mounted on strut 60 of disc 24 to hold the outer end of rod 54 in pin releasing or in unclarnping position.

Cam 72 is secured to, or forms a part of, a plate 73 attached to frame F of the machine. The major part of cam 72 is concentric with the axis of rotation of disc 24, and has a leading portion 84 and trailing portion 86 positioned to be engaged by cam followers 70 so that as disc 24 rotates, each roller 78 successively engages lead-on portion 87 of track portion 84 and rolls therealong in a manner to compress spring 62 against collar 66. In this way, the outer end of each clamp rod 54 is forced into the pocket 30 in channel 29. If a pin is seated therein, rod 54 will clamp it resiliently in place by virtue of the compression of spring 62.

As shown in Figure 1, so long as a cam follower 70 of a clamping unit 52 is in engagement with cam track portion 84, gripping rod 54 of each unit 52 is located in operative pin clamping position relative to a pocket 30, andif a pin is seated therein, rod 54 will hold it firmly therein against removal therefrom. During the normal operation of the machine, or when pin elevating mechanism 22 is delivering pins to station III for discharge into distributor D, which aligns and conveys pins to the pin spotting mechanism (not shown), each pin clamping rod 54 will be held in resilient engagement with a pin in its respective pocket 38 as each pin is moved by disc 24 past station II to station 111, where it is released from its pocket and delivered to the pin receiving and aligning mechanism designated generally 88 of distributor D. In order to accomplish the release of pins at station 111, cam 72 is provided with an interrupted section or gap 9t) (see Figures 1 and 2) located approximately beneath station III and separating cam portions 84 and 86. When pins 10 are released from pockets 30, each cam follower 70 is pulled by its respective spring 74 downwardly or radially inwardly through gap 90, whereupon each rod 54 moves inwardly and out of engagement with a pin 10 in a pocket 30. Cam follower 70 then runs adjacent the inner face of cam portion 86 until it again runs onto the lead-on portion 87 as pin elevating disc 24 continues its rotation.

At times during the operation of the machine, it may be desired to retain pins in pockets 30, and not discharge them at station 111. In order to obtain this result, there is provided a movable cam track section or cam gate 92 having the same radius as cam portion 84. Gate 92 is moved selectively into and out of gap 90. When cam gate 92 is located in gap 90, it forms a continuation of cam portions 84 and 86 and so long as it occupies this position, bowling pins will be retained within pockets 30 and not discharged therefrom at station 111.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, pin receiving and aligning device 88 comprises a generally U-shaped pan 94, the center curved portion of which projects into channel 29 to provide a pin receiving guide for pins released from pockets 3t). U-shaped pan 94 is suitably mounted on posts 96 supported in a cross frame member 98 of the machine. On posts 96, which support pan 94, and beneath pan 94, are mounted suitable bearings (not shown) supporting a horizontal shaft 100 carrying a pulley or roller 182 about which one turn of an endless belt 104, entering between or adjacent the legs of pan 94, passes. The other turn of belt 164 passes around a pulley (not shown) located adjacent the delivery or discharge point of conveyor 104 adjacent the pin spotting mechanism (not shown). Guides 1436, located at the sides of the upper or pin conveying lap of conveyor 104, coact with U-shaped pan 94 to orient each pin received on the upper lap of conveyor 104 in order that each pin may travel butt end foremost for discharge into the pin spotting mechanism. The orienting action of guides 106 is such that the handle end of each pin when released from a pocket 30 engages one or the other of these guides and is held temporarily while the belly portion is engaged by belt 104 and moved forwardly thereby. When the pin has been moved in this manner, butt end forward, the handle end drops off the particular guide 106 on which it has been resting.

Gate 92 is provided with a lug 108 in which is secured a pin 118 rotatably mounted in a suitable bearing (not shown) in plate 73 of cam 72. Pin 118 projects outwardly from plate 73, and attached thereto is one end of a lever 112, the other end of which is pivotally connected to a fork 114 formed in the armature of solenoid 116. The free end of lever 112 preferably is provided with a slot 113 in order that there may be relative motion between lever 112 and pin 115, which pivotally connects fork 114 of the armature of solenoid 116 to lever 112, thereby providing a suitable linkage for operating gate 92.

In order to remove pins from the machine for exchange or substitution of other pins as mentioned hereinabove, cam 72 is provided with a second movable cam track section or gate 118 having substantially the same radius as cam portion 84. Gate 118 is adapted to be moved selectively into and out of gap 120 which is located beneath station II. During the operation of the machine, whenever gate 118 is positioned in gap 128, cam followers 78 will roll over gate 118 and pins 10 will not be released from pockets 30 for discharge at station II. However, when gate 118 is open, each cam follower 70, as it moves off cam portion 84, will drop into gap 120, and each lever 58 will be pulled by its respective spring 74 downwardly. Thus each clamping rod 54 will be moved away from the pin it is clamping so that the latter can fall out of its pocket at station 11, and be directed out of the machine.

Gate 118 is provided on its underside with a lug 122 in which is secured a pin 124 rotatably mounted in a suitable bearing (not shown) formed in plate 73,,of cam.72. Pin 124 extends beyond plate, 73, and attached thereto is one end of a lever '126, the other end of which is pivot-ally connected to fork 123 formed in the end of armature 130 of solenoid 132. The free end of lever 126 preferably is provided with an elongated slot 127 such that proper operation of gate 118 may take place when solenoid 132 is energized and gate 113 is swung from the full line position to the broken line position shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 4, each pin ejected from a pocket at station II falls into the top portion of a downwardly inclined chute or guide 148 of enerally U-shaped cross section which is attached to a bracket 141 secured to kickback (Figure 4). Wall 142 of chute 144i is provided with an inwardly directed curved portion 144, so located that it will direct each pin 19 which strikes thereagain-st, downwardly into chute 146, whereupon the pin will gravitate and slide down chute 141 and be delivered onto an endless belt conveyor 1% located at the discharge end of chute 149 (see Figures 1 and 4). Conveyor belt 14-6 runs on a driven pulley 148 and a driving pulley 159. As shown in Figure 1, conveyor 1% is inclined upwardly in order to convey and also elevate pins carried thereby to an elevated discharge station where they are delivered into a suitable storage receptacle, such as box B. Pulley 14-8 is mounted on a shaft 152 journaled in bearings in the spaced side walls of a channel bracket 154- attached to the top of kickback Pulley 159 is fixed to shaft 156 journaled in bearings in a suitable bracket (not shown) secured to frame member 158 of the pin storage. Shaft 156 is driven by motor 16*?) mounted on bracket 162 attached to frame member 153 by means of a belt 164 running on driving pulley 166 attached to the motor shaft and a driven pulley 168 fast to shaft 156. Conveyor belt 146 preferably is formed of a material which is durable, tough, resistant to wear and also will not mar, scratch or damage pins carried thereby. Leather, rubber composition, and like materials have been found to be satisfactory.

The upper lap of conveyor 146 is located above the bottom of an elongated upwardly inclined channel mem her 170, the side walls 172 of which provide guides for insuring that each pin being conveyed by belt 146 will not be displaced therefrom as it is guided thereby to the upper or discharge end of conveyor 146 where each pin is delivered into a box or receptacle B. The lower ends of walls 172 of channel member 179 are preferably outwardly curved at 174 to provide guides which assist in directing each pin onto belt 146. Channel member 17t3 is suitably mounted on frame members 176- 178 attached in any desired manner to the top of kickbacks 3$ and 4%. Proper tension is maintained at all times in belt 1 2-6 by means of a suitable belt tightener. As indicated in Figure 1, this consists of a pair of plates 147 (only one of which is shown) pivotally mounted on brackets 14% secured to walls 172. Brackets 149 support an idler pulley 151 over which runs belt 146. Belt 146 also runs upon idler pulley 153 rotatably mounted in plates 147. Plates 147 have secured thereto one end of springs 155, the other ends of which springs are attached to blocks 157 secured to side walls 172 of channel 176. Springs 155 thereby maintain roller 153 in resilient tensional engagement with belt 146.

Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that supported on frame member 173 is a pin storage or magazine, which as shown, may consist of a platform 180 provided with space for supporting boxes or receptacles B for holding pins removed from machine 22 or 23. This space also provides room for an operator to walk along above the alleys in order to remove filled receptacles from beneath the discharge end of conveyor 146, or dump pins to be used in the machine down a delivery chute 182 which is suitably mounted on horizontal transverse portions of frame members 176, 175. Chute 182 is formed with a downwardly directed funnel 184 which directs pins into pit P of an alley for delivery into pin elevating disc 24, described hereinabove. Platform 180 has also attached thereto a shelf 138 which can be used to store filled boxes B, or if desired, empty boxes (not shown).

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, conveyor 146 may be used with one bowling pin spotting machine, such as 22, or with two bowling machines such as bowling machines 22 and 25. In the latter case, pins gravitate down chutes 149, are picked up by conveyor 1%, and carried upwardly thereby for discharge into box B. In order to prevent jamming of pins being removed simultaneously from two adjoining machines, there is preferably provided a flapper plate 19% which is pivotally mounted on a vertical pin 192 secured to bracket plate 154. Flapper plate 1% may be formed of rubber, metal or plastic as desired so long as it has sufiicient strength and rigidity to withstand the impact of pins and swing back and forth directing pins as they slide down chutes 149 onto conveyor belt 146. If desired, flapper plate 1% may be provided with a spring which positions it, substantially as shown, midway of belt 146.

The operation of the novel pin changing mechanism is as follows: During the operation of machine 22 when one type or grade of pin is being handled by disc 24, solenoid 116 is energized and pins are delivered from pockets 35 at station ill to distributor D in the manner hereinabove described. In this case, referring to Figure 2, a push-pull switch see when in pulled out position, closes contacts 296a which makes a circuit energizing solenoid 116 and causes gate M to move to open position, thereby effecting the discharge of pins from pockets 3% at station ill of machine 22. Whenever it is desired to remove these pins from the machine, switch Ztltl is pushed all the way in, thereby closing contacts 29% and ltd-tic. This eifects the energization of solenoid 132 and also completes a circuit through motor 169 which drives conveyor belt 146. At this time contacts Ztltla are open and therefore gate 92 remains closed. However, due to the energization of solenoid 132, gate 118 is moved to open position and hence, as described hereinabove, pins will be released from pockets 3t at station II of machine 22 and will drop therefrom into chute 1% which delivers them onto belt 1%. Belt 1% thereupon conveys them upwardly between guide walls 172 and discharges them into box B. When all pins in the machine have been removed, the operator pulls out switch 200, which opens contacts 23th; and little, and breaks the circuit through motor and solenoid 132, and closes contacts Ztltia to efiect the delivery to distributor D of a new set of pins, in which case, the sequence of operation is as described above.

If the operator desires to incapacitate both solenoids 116 and 132 until new pins are placed in the pit of machine 22, a switch 265 may be opener. It will be understood that after the removal of unwanted pins from machine 22 and their discharge by conveyor 146 into boxes B, wanted pins such as shown in boxes B resting on shelf 183, are either placed by hand in pit P or dumped or otherwise placed in chute 182 for delivery through funnel 134 into pit P of the bowling alley served by machine 22 or machine 23. if pins are being changed in both machines, wanted pins are placed in both chutes 182 for delivery by funnels 184 into pits P of the two alleys shown. As noted above in the pin handling mechanism used in machine 22, it is customary to use seventeen pins, ten of which are located in spotted position on the alley while seven pins are carried by continuously rotating disc 24. The removal of pins from bowling pin spotting machine 23 and the substitution of new pins are the same as just described, except that disc 24 would rotate counter-clockwise, as viewed in Figure 4, in elevating pins for delivery to chute 1411.

Machine 23 is provided with an electrical control similar to that used in machine 22. The manipulation of a push-pull switch 291 having contacts 201a, 201b, and 291s, etfccts the delivery of pins to the distributor designated generally D of machine 23, or the removal of unwanted pins. Distributor D is identical in construction and operation to distributor i) of machine 22 and is not shown in detail. By pulling out switch 201, a solenoid 116a is energized, which opens a gate (not shown) on machine 23 which is similar in construction and operation to gate 92 in machine 22. By pushing switch 201 all the way in, a solenoid 132a is energized and a circuit is made through motor 160. Solenoid 132a actuates a gate (not shown) in machine 23 which is similar in construction and operation to gate 118 in machine 22 and effects the removal of unwanted pins from machine 23. A control switch 206 is provided for the purpose of incapacitating solenoids 116a and 132a, if desired. By manipulating switches 200 and 201 at different times or simultaneously, an exchange or substitution of pins in either or both machines may be made as desired.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular embodiments selected to illustrate the invention are but a few of the possible concrete forms which our invention may assume. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted to the precise details of the structures shown and described.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for changing or substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, an endless conveyor for removing pins from the pit of a bowling alley, a pin distributing station, and a pin storage station along the path of travel of said conveyor, a plurality of pin receiving and holding pockets in said conveyor, means coacting with each of said pockets for holding pins in said pockets for delivery to one of said stations, and means for moving said last-named means out of engagement with pins in said pockets for effecting the release of pins at a selected station.

2. Apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a pin distributing station, a pin storage discharge station, a rotary pin conveying member, said member being provided with a plurality of spaced pin receiving and holding pockets adapted to be moved to and from said stations, means for delivering pins from the pit of a bowling alley into said pockets, grippers for holding pins seated in said pockets for transfer by said member to one of said stations, and selectively actuated means for operating said grippers to release pins for discharge from said pockets at a selected station.

3. Apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, an endless conveyor for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley, a pin distributor delivery station, a pin storage delivery station, a plurality of pin receiving and holding pockets in said conveyor, gripping members securing pins in said pockets against removal from said pockets, mechanism maintaining said members in pin gripping and holding relationship relative to pins seated in said pockets, said mechanism including a stationary cam, cam followers connected to said members tracking said cam, a gate in said cam conforming in contour to that of said cam located proximate said pin distributor delivery station, a gate in said cam conforming in contour to that of said cam located proximate said pin storage delivery station, means mounting said gates for movement into and out of operative position, and means for selectively operating said gates to effect the release of said pins at a selected station.

4. A pin changing and substituting apparatus for use with a plurality of bowling alleys, each provided with a pin spotting machine, a pin elevating conveyor in the pit of each alley for removing bowling pins from the pit thereof, a pin distributing station located above the pit of each alley, a pin storage receiving station located above the pit of each alley, a storage conveyor common to said machines, a device for delivering pins from each of said pin storage receiving stations to said storage conveyor, means normally constraining said pin elevating conveyors to deliver pins to said pin distributing stations, and other means for preventing the delivery of pins to said pin distributing stations and for effecting the delivery of pins by said pin elevating conveyors to said pin storage delivery stations instead.

5. The invention defined in claim 4 including means for driving said pin storage conveyor, and mechanism for operating said last-named means during the operation of one or more of said pin elevating conveyors.

6. The invention defined in claim 5 including a pin storage positioned to receive pins discharged from said pin storage conveyor, and a device for delivering pins into the pit of one or more alleys for use in said machines in exchange for pins removed from said machines.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including support means mounting said pin distributing station adjacent the path of travel of said endless conveyor, a pin storage conveyor, and a pin guide chute adapted to deliver pins from said pin storage station to said pin storage conveyor.

8. Apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a pin distributor device adapted to deliver pins to a bowling pin spotter, a conveyor for removing bowling pins from the pit of a bowling alley, gripping members on said conveyor for holding bowling pins being conveyed to said distributor device, selectively operable means for operating said gripping members to release pins from said conveyor for delivery only to said pin distributor device, a pin storage, mechanism for delivering pins to said storage, and other selectively operable means spaced from said first-named means for operating said gripping members to release said pins for delivery by said mechanism only to said pin storage.

9. An apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a distributor, a pin storage, a conveyor for removing pins in succession from the pit of a bowling alley, said conveyor including means for releasably gripping pins for travel therewith for delivery to said distributor or said pin storage, and selectively operated mechanism for operating said gripping means to release pins carried by said conveyor for delivering a succession of pins from said conveyor to said distributor for use in said machine, and other selectively operated mechanism for operating said gripping means to release said pins for delivery only to said pin storage.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 9, including adevice for delivering pins from said storage into said pit of said bowling alley in substitution for pins removed by said first-named conveyor.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 9, wherein said mechanisms include a cam, a distributor gate in said cam, a pin storage gate in said cam, a device for opening and closing said distributor gate, and a device for opening and closing said pin storage gate, means for driving said conveyor, said means for releasably gripping pins having cam followers engaging said cam, and said mechanisms including selectively operated means for operating one or the other of said devices to actuate said gripping means to release pins from said conveyor for delivery into said distributor or into said pin storage.

12. Apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a pin distributor, a pin storage device, a rotary conveyor mounted in the pit of a bowling alley, a plurality of circumferentially positioned pin receiving and holding pockets carried by said conveyor, a pin gripping member operatively associated with each of said pockets, a lever connected to each of said members and a cam follower mounted on each of said levers, a stationary cam track positioned to be tracked by said cam followers, said cam having a contour constmcted and arranged to move said cam followers and position said members in pin gripping 11 and holding relationship with pins seated in said pockets, means normally operative to move said members out of pin gripping engagement with pins seated in said pockets at a point adjacent said distributor, and selectively operated means for efiecting the release of pins at a point adjacent said pin storage device, means operative in response to the operation of said selectively operated means for preventing the release of pins at said release point adjacent said distributor, a pin receptacle, and means for delivering pins in said pin storage device into said receptacle.

13. Apparatus for changing and substit bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a pin distributing station, a pin storage station, an endless conveyor comprising a rotary channel member for removing pins from the pit of a bowling alley for delivery to selected stat-ion, means for delivering pins into said channel, means coacting with said conveyor for holding pins in said channel member in transit from said pit to one of said stations, means normally operating said holding means to release pins carried in said channel member for discharge therefrom at said pin distributing station, and selectively actuated means operating said holding means to release pins carried in said channel member at said pin storage station.

14. An apparatus for changing bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a device for removing pins from the pit of a bowling alley, including a rotary travelling channel member having a plurality of pin pockets, a distributor, means coact-ing with said travelling channel member normally to hold pins in said pockets for movement with said channel member, means for delivering a plurality of pins in succession from the pockets of said member to said distributor, a pin storage, selectively operated mechanism for incapacitating said delivery means, and a device operative when said delivering means is incapacitated by the operation of said mechanism for effecting the delivery of a succession of pins from said pockets of said channel member directly to said pin storage.

15. The apparatus defined in claim 14 including a control device for reactivating said means for delivering pins from said channel member to said distributor and substantially simultaneously therewith incapacitating said mechanism for effecting the delivery of pins to said pin storage.

16. Apparatus for changing and substituting bowling pins in a bowling pin spotting machine comprising, a pin distributor, a pin storage device, a rotary conveyor mounted in the pit of a bowling alley, a plurality of circumferentially positioned pin receiving and holding pockets carried by said conveyor, a pin gripping member oper- 12 atively associated with each of said pockets, a lever connected to each of said members and a cam follower mounted on each of said levers, a stationary cam track positioned to be tracked by said cam followers, said cam having a contour constructed and arranged to move said cam followers and position said members in pin gripping and holding relationship with pins seated in said pockets, means normally operative to move said members out of pin gripping engagement with pins seated in said pockets at a point adjacent said distributor including means normally interrupting said cam track adjacent said distributor, selectively operated means for effecting the release of pins at a point adjacent said pin storage device including means for interrupting said cam track adjacent said pin storage device, means operative in response to the operation of said selectively operated means for incapacitating said normally operative means to prevent the release .of pins at said release point adjacent said distributor, and means for moving each of said levers out of engagement with said cam track at a selected interruption in said cam track.

17. The apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said means for interrupting said cam track adjacent said pin distributor and said pin storage device comprise, a cam gate adjacent said distributor, a cam gate adjacent said storage device, each of said gates having a contour conforming to the contour of said cam track, and means for selectively moving one of said gates out of coincidence with said cam track to provide a gap, whereby said lever moving means release pins from said pockets for delivery to said pin distributor or to said pin storage device.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein said means for interrupting said cam track adjacent said pin distributor, and adjacent said pin storage device comprise, a cam gate adjacent said distributor, a cam gate adjacent said storage device, each of said gates having a contour conforming to the contour of said cam track, and mechanism for selectively moving one of said gates out of coincidence with said cam track to provide a gap, whereby said lever moving means release pins from said pockets for delivery to said pin distributor or to said pin storage device, said mechanism including a solenoid operatively connected to each of said gates, and means for selectively energizing either of said solenoids.

References. Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,468,212 Redfiel'd Sept. 18, 1923 2,616,694 Montooth Nov. 4, 1952 2,621,045 Montooth Dec. 9, 1952 2,707,636 Wells May 3, 1955 n. an, 

